Okmulgee County residents gathered across several days to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., with programs spanning schools, churches and community events. Activities included a special MLK program at The Academy of Okmulgee featuring guest speaker Brandon Hammon, the MLK Scholarship Committee Banquet held Saturday evening, the MLK Youth Service on Sunday at St. Matthew Missionary Baptist Church, and MLK programs presented Tuesday by Okmulgee Public Schools. Mayor Mickey Baldwin attended events throughout the weekend and read the City of Okmulgee’s proclamation, noting he would have been present regardless. Baldwin praised Pastor Rice for opening St. Matthew’s to the community, commended the Boy Scouts, Sparkle Tuggle, and both the children’s and adult choirs, and thanked Pastor Harold White for his encouraging message, adding continued prayers for Leroy Parker. Baldwin reflected on Dr. King’s enduring message, quoting, “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.” See additional photos in Friday’ edition.
